Edible Energy Composition

ABSTRACT

An energy composition includes a methylated xanthine, a choline derivative, and at least one flavorant in a sufficient amount to render the energy composition palatable. The energy composition may also include vitamins, amino acids, preservatives, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to edible compositions that provide anindividual with an energy burst when consumed.

2. Background Art

Energy drinks are beverages that provide an individual with an energysurge that lasts for a variable period of time. Coffee, which is perhapsthe best known energy drink, derives most of its energy enhancingproperties from caffeine. Recently, there has been an increase in thenumber of soft drinks that also provide an energy boost that is equal toor superior to coffee. In addition, such energy drinks may also includesugar which also provides a transient increase in an individual'sperceived energy levels.

Many different formulations for energy drinks exist. However, not allexisting formulations are palatable to all consumers. Some of the priorart formulations possess an unpleasant taste due to the constituents.Other formulations fail to provide a sufficient energy burst. Moreover,consumers continually desire unique and healthy formulations.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved edible compositions forproviding an individual with a perceived energy boost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves one or more problems of the prior art byproviding an edible energy composition. The energy composition of thisembodiment includes a methylated xanthine, a choline derivative, and atleast one flavorant in a sufficient amount to render the energycomposition palatable. The combination of the methylated xanthine andthe choline derivative promotes a more rapid occurrence of thestimulating effects of the choline derivative. Normally, cholinederivatives require consumption over several days before the effects ofsuch derivative are observed. Advantageously, the stimulating effects ofthe present embodiment occur within minutes or hours of consumption. Theenergy composition may also include vitamins, amino acids,preservatives, and the like.

In another embodiment, an edible energy composition comprises caffeinein an amount from about 0.0037 mg/ml to about 0.0039 mg/ml, citicolinein an amount from about 0.0004 mg/ml to about 0.0006 mg/ml, amino acidsor an amino acid derivative in an amount from about 0.01 to about 0.03mg/ml, vitamins in an amount from about 0.0010 to about 0.0025 mg/ml,glucuronolactone is present in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.007mg/ml, and at least one flavorant in a sufficient amount to render theenergy composition palatable.

In yet another embodiment, an edible energy composition comprisescaffeine in an amount from about 0.0032 g/ml to about 0.0034 g/ml,citicoline in an amount from about 0.00015 g/ml to about 0.00019 g/ml,amino acids or an amino acid derivative in an amount from about 0.01 toabout 0.03 mg/ml, vitamins in an amount from about 0.0010 to about0.0025 mg/ml, glucuronolactone is present in an amount from about 0.005to about 0.007 mg/ml, and at least one flavorant in a sufficient amountto render the energy composition palatable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferredcompositions, embodiments and methods of the present invention, whichconstitute the best modes of practicing the invention presently known tothe inventors. The

Figures are not necessarily to scale. However, it is to be understoodthat the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the inventionthat may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore,specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting,but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the inventionand/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art tovariously employ the present invention.

Except in the examples, or where otherwise expressly indicated, allnumerical quantities in this description indicating amounts of materialor conditions of reaction and/or use are to be understood as modified bythe word “about” in describing the broadest scope of the invention.Practice within the numerical limits stated is generally preferred.Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary: percent, “parts of, ” andratio values are by weight; the description of a group or class ofmaterials as suitable or preferred for a given purpose in connectionwith the invention implies that mixtures of any two or more of themembers of the group or class are equally suitable or preferred;description of constituents in chemical terms refers to the constituentsat the time of addition to any combination specified in the description,and does not necessarily preclude chemical interactions among theconstituents of a mixture once mixed; the first definition of an acronymor other abbreviation applies to all subsequent uses herein of the sameabbreviation and applies mutatis mutandis to normal grammaticalvariations of the initially defined abbreviation; and, unless expresslystated to the contrary, measurement of a property is determined by thesame technique as previously or later referenced for the same property.

It is also to be understood that this invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments and methods described below, as specific componentsand/or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminologyused herein is used only for the purpose of describing particularembodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be limitingin any way.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and theappended claims, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” comprise pluralreferents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example,reference to a component in the singular is intended to comprise aplurality of components.

Throughout this application, where publications are referenced, thedisclosures of these publications in their entireties are herebyincorporated by reference into this application to more fully describethe state of the art to which this invention pertains.

The following description of the embodiment(s) is merely exemplary innature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, itsapplication, or uses.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an edible energy compositionis provided. The energy composition includes water and a combination ofat least two stimulants. In a variation of this embodiment, the energycomposition includes a methylated xanthine and a choline derivative.Examples of methylated xanthines, include but are not limited tocaffeine and theobromine. Caffeine is particularly useful in thepractice of the present invention. In a refinement of the presentembodiment, the methylated xanthine is present in an amount from about0.0005 g/ml to about 0.005 g/ml. In another refinement of the presentinvention, the methylated xanthine is present in an amount from about0.0035 g/ml to about 0.0045 g/ml. In still another embodiment of thepresent embodiment, the methylated xanthine is present in an amount fromabout 0.0037 g/ml to about 0.0039 g/ml. In yet another refinement of thepresent embodiment, the methylated xanthine is present in an amount fromabout 0.0032 g/ml to about 0.0034 g/ml.

Variations of the present invention also include a choline. Aparticularly useful choline is citicoline which is a well-known brainenhancer. Brain enhancers are substances that are known to improve anindividual's mental acuity. In a refinement, the choline derivative ispresent in an amount from about 0.00005 g/ml to about 0.0009 g/ml. Inanother refinement, the choline derivative is present in an amount fromabout 0.0003 g/ml to about 0.0007 g/ml. In still another refinement, thecholine derivative is present in an amount from about 0.0004 g/ml toabout 0.0006 g/ml. In still another refinement, the choline derivativeis present in an amount from about 0.00015 g/ml to about 0.00019 g/ml.

In a variation of the present embodiment, the energy composition furthercomprises one or more vitamins. Examples of such vitamins include, butare not limited to B6, BI2, niacinamide, niacin, folic acid, and thelike, In a refinement, vitamins are present in an amount from about0.0005 g/ml to about 0.008 g/ml. In another refinement, vitamins arepresent in an amount from about 0.001 g/ml to about 0.005 g/ml. In stillanother refinement, vitamins are present in an amount from about 0.0010g/ml to about 0.0025 g/ml.

As set forth above, the energy composition may include vitamin B6. In arefinement, the B6 is present in an amount from about 0.0001 g/ml toabout 0.003 g/ml. In another refinement, the B6 is present in an amountfrom about 0.0003 g/ml to about 0.002 g/ml. In still another refinement,the B6 is present in an amount from about 0.0006 g/ml to about 0.0009g/ml.

As set forth above, the energy composition may include vitamin B12. In arefinement, the B12 is present in an amount from about 0.000001 g/ml toabout 0.00003 g/ml. In another refinement, the B12 is present in anamount from about 0.000003 g/ml to about 0.00002 g/ml. In still anotherrefinement, the B12 is present in an amount from about 0.000006 g/ml toabout 0.00001 g/ml.

As set forth above, the energy composition may include niacinamide or aderivative thereof. In a refinement, the niacinamide or a derivativethereof is present in an amount from about 0 g/ml to about 0.003 g/ml.In a refinement, the niacinamide or a derivative thereof is present inan amount from about 0.0001 g/ml to about 0.003 g/ml. In anotherrefinement, the niacinamide or a derivative thereof is present in anamount from about 0.0003 g/ml to about 0.002 g/ml. In still anotherrefinement, the niacinamide or a derivative thereof is present in anamount from about 0.0006 g/ml to about 0.0009 g/ml.

As set forth above, the energy composition may include folk acid. In arefinement, the folk acid is present in an amount from about 0 g/ml toabout 0.0002 g/ml. In a refinement, the folic acid is present in anamount from about 0.000005 g/ml to about 0.0002 g/ml. In anotherrefinement, the folic acid is present in an amount from about 0.00001g/ml to about 0.00008 g/ml. In still another refinement, the folic ispresent in an amount from about 0.00002 g/ml to about 0.00004 g/ml.

The energy composition of the present embodiment includes one or moreflavorants and/or sweeteners. Characteristically, there are a sufficientnumber of flavorants and/or sweeteners so that unpalatable tastingcomponents will be masked. Such masking is particularly necessary forcaffeine and citicoline. In a refinement of the present invention, theflavorants are present in an amount from about 0 g/ml to about 0.008g/ml. In another refinement of the present invention, the flavorants arepresent in an amount from about 0.001 g/ml to about 0.008 g/ml.Sucralose is an example of a sweetener that may be used in the presentembodiment. In a refinement, sucralose is present in an amount fromabout 0 to about 0.004 g/ml. In a refinement, sucralose is present in anamount from about 0.0005 to about 0.004 g/ml. In a refinement, sucraloseis present in an amount from about 0.0008 to about 0.003 g/ml. In stillanother refinement, sucralose is present in an amount from about 0.001to about 0.002 g/ml. Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (“EDTA”) may alsobe included in the present embodiment to improve flavor. In arefinement, EDTA is present in an amount from about 0.00002 g/ml toabout 0.00009 g/ml. In another refinement, the EDTA is present in anamount from about 0.00003 g/ml to about 0.00007 g/ml. In still anotherrefinement, the EDTA is present in an amount from about 0.00004 g/ml toabout 0.00006 g/ml. In still another refinement, the EDTA is present inan amount from about 0.00002 g/ml to about 0.00003 g/ml. The energycomposition also includes one or more fruit flavorants. Such fruitflavorants include, but are not limited to lemon lime flavors, orangeflavors, berry flavors, high fructose corn syrup, raspberry juiceconcentrates, berry juice concentrates and the like.

In another variation of the present embodiment, the energy compositionfurther comprises one or more amino acids or amino acid derivatives.Examples of amino acids or derivatives thereof, include, but are notlimited to, N-acetyl L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, taurine, andcombinations thereof. In a refinement, amino acids or derivativesthereof are present in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.05 g/ml. Ina refinement, amino acids or derivatives thereof are present in anamount from about 0.01 to about 0.04 g/ml. In still another refinement,amino acids or derivatives thereof are present in an amount from about0.01 to about 0.03 g/ml.

In a refinement, N-acetyl L-tyrosine is present in an amount from about0.001 to about 0.008 g/ml. In a refinement, N-acetyl L-tyrosine ispresent in an amount from about 0.002 to about 0.006 g/ml. In stillanother refinement, N-acetyl L-tyrosine is present in an amount fromabout 0.003 to about 0.005 g/ml.

In a refinement, L-phenylalanine is present in an amount from about0.001 to about 0.008 g/ml. In a refinement, L-phenylalanine is presentin an amount from about 0.002 to about 0.006 g/ml. In still anotherrefinement, L-phenylalanine is present in an amount from about 0.003 toabout 0.005 g/ml.

In a refinement, taurine is present in an amount from about 0.002 toabout 0.016 g/ml. In a refinement, taurine is present in an amount fromabout 0.004 to about 0.012 g/ml. In still another refinement, taurine ispresent in an amount from about 0.007 to about 0.010 g/ml.

In still another variation of the present embodiment, the energycomposition of the present invention further includes additionalcomponents that reduce fatigue. Such additional components include, forexample glucuronolactone. In a refinement, glucuronolactone is presentin an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.012 g/ml. In a refinement,glucuronolactone is present in an amount from about 0.003 to about0.0009 g/ml. In still another refinement, glucuronolactone is present inan amount from about 0.005 to about 0.007 g/ml.

In still another variation of the present invention, the energycomposition further includes one or more pH-modifying components. In onerefinement, the pH-modifying components are acidulants. Typically, suchpH-modifying components are inorganic acids or edible organic acids suchas italic acid and citric acid. In a refinement, the pH-modifyingcomponents are present in an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.012g/ml. In a refinement, the pH-modifying components are present in anamount from about 0.003 to about 0.0009 g/ml. In still anotherrefinement, the pH-modifying components are present in an amount fromabout 0.005 to about 0.007 g/ml.

In still another variation of the present invention, the energycomposition includes added fiber. Cellulose is an example of a fiberthat may be used in the present variation.

In still another variation of the present embodiment, the energycomposition further includes one or more enzymes. Examples of suchenzymes include, but are not limited to, amylase, protease, lactase,lipase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

In yet another variation of the present invention, the energycomposition further comprises a preservative. In a refinement, thepreservative is a natural preservative. Examples of useful preservativesinclude, but are not limited to, benzoic acid and benzoic acidderivatives such as sodium benzoate, calcium benzoate, potassiumbenzoate, magnesium benzoate, and combinations thereof; and sorbic acidderivatives such as potassium sorbate. In a refinement, the preservativeis present in an amount from about 0 to about 0.01 g/ml. In arefinement, the preservative is present in an amount from about 0.001 toabout 0.008 g/ml. In still another refinement, the preservative ispresent in an amount from about 0.004 to about 0.006 g/ml.

The compositions of the present invention are made by introducingsuitable amounts of the ingredients set forth above into a suitableedible liquid. Water is a particularly useful liquid for this purpose.Tables 1-4 provide a set of components that may be introduced into sucha liquid. The amounts provided in tables 1-4 are particularly useful toform compositions having a total final volume of about 60 ml.

TABLE 1 Edible Energy Compositions Component Amounts (mg) Caffeine 80-220 Citicoline  5-30 Vitamins B6 20-60 B12 0.30-0.70 Niacinamide 0-60 Folic Acid 0-5 Glucuronolactone 200-600 Amino Acids N-AcetylL-Tryosine 150-500 L-Phenylalanine 150-400 Taurine 300-800 Malic Acid200-500 Flavorants   0-400 Preservatives sodium benzoate   0-150potassium sorbate   0-150 Sweeteners sucralose   0-150

TABLE 2 Edible Energy Compositions Component Amounts (mg) Caffeine100-200 Citicoline 10-25 Vitamins B6 35-45 B12 0.50 Niacinamide 35-45Folic Acid 0.1-0.7 Glucuronolactone 300-500 Amino Acids N-AcetylL-Tryosine 200-400 L-Phenylalanine 200-400 Taurine 350-700 Malic Acid250-400 Flavorants 200-350 Preservatives sodium benzoate 25-75 potassiumsorbate 25-75 Sweeteners sucralose 55-75

TABLE 3 Edible Energy Compositions Component Amounts (mg) Caffeine100-250 Citicoline 10-50 Vitamins B6 20-60 B12 0.30-0.70 Niacinamide 0-60 Folic Acid 0-5 Glucuronolactone 200-600 Amino Acids N-AcetylL-Tryosine 150-500 L-Phenylalanine 150-400 Taurine 300-800 Malic Acid200-500 Flavorants   0-400 Preservatives sodium benzoate   0-150potassium sorbate   0-150 Sweeteners sucralose   0-150

TABLE 4 Edible Energy Compositions Component Amounts (mg) Caffeine120-230 Citicoline 20-45 Vitamins B6 35-45 B12 0.25-0.75 Niacinamide35-45 Folic Acid 1-2 Glucuronolactone 300-500 Amino Acids N-AcetylL-Tryosine 200-400 L-Phenylalanine 200-400 Taurine 350-700 Malic Acid250-400 Flavorants 200-350 Preservatives sodium benzoate 25-75 potassiumsorbate 25-75 Sweeteners sucralose  75-100

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described,it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe allpossible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in thespecification are words of description rather than limitation, and it isunderstood that various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. An edible energy composition comprising: amethylated xanthine; a choline derivative; amino acids or amino acidderivatives; vitamins; glucuronolactone; and at least one flavorant. 24.The edible energy composition of claim 23 wherein the methylatedxanthine is present in an amount from about 0.0005 g/ml to about 0.005g/ml.
 25. The edible energy composition of claim 23 wherein the cholinederivative is present in an amount from about 0.00005 g/ml to about0.0009 g/ml.
 26. The edible energy composition of claim 23 wherein themethylated xanthine comprises caffeine.
 27. The edible energycomposition of claim 23 wherein the choline derivative comprisesciticoline.
 28. The edible energy composition of claim 23 wherein theamino acids or amino acid derivatives are present in an amount fromabout 0.005 to about 0.05 g/ml.
 29. The edible energy composition ofclaim 23 wherein the amino acids are selected from the group consistingof N-acetyl L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, taurine, and combinationsthereof.
 30. The edible energy composition of claim 29 comprisingN-acetyl L-tyrosine in an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.008 g/ml,L-phenylalanine in an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.008 g/ml andtaurine in an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.008 g/ml.
 31. Theedible energy composition of claim 23 further comprising a vitaminselected from the group consisting of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folicacid, niacin, niacinamide, and combinations thereof.
 32. The edibleenergy composition of claim 23 further comprising vitamins in an amountfrom about 0.0005 g/ml to about 0.008 g/ml.
 33. The edible energycomposition of claim 23 wherein glucuronolactone is present in an amountfrom about 0.001 to about 0.012 g/ml.
 34. The edible energy compositionof claim 23 further comprising: vitamin B6 in an amount from about0.0001 g/ml to about 0.003 g/ml; vitamin B12 in an amount from about0.000001 g/ml to about 0.00003 g/ml; folic acid in an amount from about0.000005 g/ml to about 0.0002 g/ml; and niacinamide in an amount fromabout 0.0001 g/ml to about 0.003 g/ml.
 35. The edible energy compositionof claim 23 further comprising a preservative.
 36. The edible energycomposition of claim 23 further comprising at least one pH-modifyingcomponent.
 37. The edible energy composition of claim 36 wherein thepH-modifying component is malic acid.
 38. The edible energy compositionof claim 36 wherein the pH-modifying component is citric acid.
 39. Theedible energy composition of claim 36 wherein the pH-modifying componentis malic acid in an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.012 g/ml.
 40. Theedible energy composition of claim 23 further comprising a preservative.41. The edible energy composition of claim 23 wherein the preservativeis a natural preservative.
 42. An edible energy composition comprising:a methylated xanthine; a choline derivative; amino acids or an aminoacid derivative; vitamins; and at least one flavorant.
 43. The edibleenergy composition of claim 42 further comprising glucuronolactone. 44.The edible energy composition of claim 43 wherein glucuronolactone ispresent in an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.012 g/ml.
 45. An edibleenergy composition comprising: a methylated xanthine in an amount fromabout 0.0005 g/ml to about 0.005 g/ml; a choline derivative in an amountfrom about 0.00005 g/ml to about 0.0009 g/ml; vitamin B6; vitamin B12;folic acid; niacinamide; glucuronolactone; N-acetyl L-tyrosine;L-phenylalanine; and taurine and at least one flavorant.